Wake County Birth Certificates

Wake County is the most populous county in North Carolina, and its Register of Deeds office in Raleigh handles a high volume of birth certificate requests each year. The county maintains four office locations to serve its large population, including three regional centers in Zebulon, Wake Forest, and Fuquay-Varina. Birth records dating back to 1913 are on file with the county. Whether you live in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, or any other Wake County community, you can request certified copies of birth certificates through any of these offices or online.

Wake County Birth Records Office Locations

Wake County stands out from most counties in North Carolina because it has four separate offices that can process vital records requests. The main office is in downtown Raleigh. Three regional centers cover the eastern, northern, and southern parts of the county. All four offices keep the same hours and offer the same services for birth certificates.

The three regional offices are located at 1002 Dogwood Drive in Zebulon (919-404-3900), 350 E. Holding Avenue in Wake Forest (919-562-6300), and 130 N Judd Parkway NE in Fuquay-Varina (919-557-2501). Each one handles birth, death, and marriage records. These regional centers were created to serve the county's growing population and reduce travel time for residents living far from downtown Raleigh.

How to Get a Wake County Birth Certificate

You have several ways to order a Wake County birth certificate. The most direct way is to visit any of the four office locations. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff will search the records and print your certified copy while you wait. Payment is due at the time of the request.

Online ordering is also available through the Wake County online portal. This system lets you submit your request from any device. You enter the details of the birth record, pay the fee, and the office mails the certificate to your address. A third option is VitalChek, which charges an additional service fee on top of the standard copy fee.

Mail requests should be sent to the main Raleigh office. Include the full name on the record, the date of birth, the mother's maiden name, and a check or money order.

Note: Wake County Human Services Vital Records can also assist at 919-250-3917.

Wake County Online Records Portal

The county's digital portal makes ordering birth certificates simple. Below is a look at the Wake County online ordering system.

This system guides you through each step. You pick the type of record, enter the details, and pay online. The portal also handles death and marriage certificate orders. For those who prefer not to visit an office in person, this is the most convenient way to get a Wake County birth certificate from home.

Birth Records at the Wake County Register of Deeds

The Wake County Register of Deeds website provides forms, fee details, and contact information for all four office locations. The screenshot below shows the main page of this resource.

The office processes a large number of requests each day. Wake County is home to over one million residents, so the system is built to handle high demand. The regional offices help reduce wait times at the main Raleigh location. A new law now allows the Register of Deeds to issue adoptive birth certificates, which was previously handled only at the state level. This change makes the process more convenient for adoptive families in Wake County.

Wake County Certificate Request Guide

The Wake County Register of Deeds website explains the full process for requesting birth, marriage, or death certificates. It covers what documents you need to bring, how to fill out the request form, and where to send mail orders. This resource breaks down each step and answers common questions about fees, turnaround times, and ID requirements.

North Carolina State Vital Records

The NC Office of Vital Records keeps statewide copies of every birth record filed since 1913. Residents who cannot visit a Wake County office can order from the state instead. The state charges $24 for a certified copy. Processing takes much longer at the state level, often exceeding 110 days.

North Carolina law under Chapter 130A, Article 4 governs who may request birth certificates and what identification is needed. Only the person named on the record, a parent, a legal guardian, or an authorized agent may get a certified copy. The State Archives of North Carolina holds older documents that may help with genealogy research for births before 1913.

Wake County was formed in 1771. Raleigh has served as both the county seat and the state capital since the county's founding. The county is named after Margaret Wake Tryon. With a population exceeding one million, Wake County is the largest county in the state. Birth certificate requests here are processed by a well-staffed team across four locations. The amendment page covers how to correct errors on an existing certificate. The Bible Records collection at the State Archives can help with pre-1913 family research.

Nearby Counties

Wake County shares borders with several other North Carolina counties. If your family had roots across county lines, records may exist in these neighboring offices. Checking records in adjacent counties is a common step for genealogy researchers working in the Raleigh metro area.